This bill amends the law regarding postmortem examinations in cases of apparent drug, alcohol, or poison toxicity. Specifically, it modifies the conditions under which a county coroner is required to submit a decedent to the State Crime Laboratory for such examinations. The previous requirement that a significant interval must have passed while the person was hospitalized has been deleted, allowing for a more streamlined process in determining the need for a postmortem examination.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "hospitalized," clarifying that it refers to a person being admitted to a hospital for inpatient treatment. This change aims to ensure that the criteria for conducting postmortem examinations are clear and consistent, ultimately enhancing the investigation process in cases of suspected toxicity-related deaths.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1568 V2 - 2-27-2025 10:41 AM: 12-12-318(a)
Old version HB1568 Original - 2-24-2025 04:12 PM: 12-12-318(a)
HB 1568: 12-12-318(a)
Act 289: 12-12-318(a)